8.14.09- Day 88

1. Busy day filled with catching up on paperwork, meeting with the retired PT I am replacing (or attempting to replace), and training paraprofessionals in transfers and lifting.
2. Taco dinner at the new "girls" house.
3. Hang out and visit/watch the Bronco's first preseason game.
4. Clean house.
5. Argue/make-up.
6. Sleep.

On another note... more thoughts on Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University. We had several discussions last night about financial peace university and I ended up taking the side of Dave Ramsey, which I'm not sure I'm completely for. I think in groups that love him I would take the other side. I think wise use of money is very biblical. It's basically what the book of Proverbs talks most about. Jesus also talks about money a lot. I think sometimes as Christians we start to think that money is evil and that it is a taboo subject to talk about. I think that talking about money is extremely important, especially in our society where so many people are drowning in debt and are just not wise stewards of their money. I think the topic of money is kind of like the topic of sex. In Christian circles no one wants to meddle or talk about either of these topics. They are too "personal." But, we live in a world where money is essential for buying food or traveling or having shelter, etc. If we want to serve God with our money, it can't be owed to someone else and we can't be living one emergency to another where all the money is tied up in only daily needs. I think God gives us brains and economic principles for a reason.

On the other hand, I believe that a preoccupation with money can turn into the worship of it. We know that as Christians we can really only have one God. We have to be willing to use all of our resources, whatever they are, for his kingdom. I think this is where Dave Ramsey misses the boat a little. He tends to be very "me" focused. The reason that you are financially responsible in his course is so that you can have the security and the things you want in the future. You can retire well and drive a nice car and not have to worry about money anymore. I don't think this is what God calls us to. I think that we have to think about money in order to have it to be stewards of it, but that if we think about it too much so that we are preoccupied with gaining it, we have missed the point. Our hearts and our actions have to match. There is bondage in debt and poverty the same as there is bondage in wealth and greed. I agree with my friend Sarah when she said last night that if churches are going to rave about and support Dave Ramsey, they also need to be ready to teach other biblical principles about social justice and biblical stewardship.

8.13.09- Day 87

Not too busy at work today. I did get a lot done though. I made it to visit with the last few teachers and pretty much have my schedule tentatively set for next week. I have plenty to do tomorrow though!

This evening... I got to hang out with Alan for a while. We watched the second episode of Jericho- a series about a little town in KS that is spared while much of the US is hit by Atomic bombs. Sounds cheesy, but I think we are hooked. We're watching it on Netflix. We made a yummy steak salad for dinner with some leftover steak when Alan grilled out the other night.

After Alan left, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to return my hairy ball that was totally deflated (oh pediatric therapy equipment). It was really sad. At least I got my money back. I saw some at Target later that looked better. I decided to go to Target to get my groceries instead of driving all the way to walmart. Of course, I forgot my list! I actually did a good job, but forgot the Northern beans AGAIN! No white chicken chili for a few more days! Oh, in place of the Northern beans I got some cute new shoes that were on sale (see pic).

After I got home, I tidied for a while (much needed.) Then, sat down to watch Private Practice (overly dramatic, but dealing with big issues as usual). And... I watched the news for the first time in months. Yay for having a job and not homework!

8.12.09- Day 86

Today... Today was okay. It had good parts and not as good parts and so so parts. It was probably one that will just blend in with the rest of my life, not sticking out for any reason. I'm starting to realize some of the realities of my job. There are also not so wonderful realities: I am a new graduate and new to this job, which means I have a TON to learn, I will be limited in the ways I can help kids until I learn more about equipment, resources, and conditions, I have to earn the respect of my colleagues, and I when I make mistakes they affect other people. There are wonderful realities: I get to hang out with kids all day, I get to be part of helping them access their school environment better, I get to be part of building their self esteem, and I get to show them love. I have decided this year that I will do my absolute best. But... I won't expect more than that from myself because there is nothing more I can give.

Also today... hurried lunch at Wendy's (why do I keep thinking I'll have time to run home for lunch?), making dinner with Alan- yummy pasta with peanut sauce, surfing the internet, laundry, AND... an avocado sprout. Yes, Alan and I have our very own avocado growing from a seed from the store. Someday (in the very distant future, since avocados take years to produce fruit) Alan and I will have an avocado tree and will no longer pay $.69 to $1.50 for an avocado. And, we will bask in the glory of endless guacamole!

8.11.09- Day 85

Today, I treated kids all morning. They were pretty cooperative- we had fun. I also visited the middle school I will be working at. I was at the office for the rest of the day. Alan and I ran after work. Alan cooked dinner tonight- steak, green beans, and biscuits! He marinated the steaks in Dale's and brown sugar-it's the best ever. We did some dishes and laundry, then headed out to the grocery store. We got some super deals at Albertsons. We saved $35! We got a bunch of cereal and nutrigrain bars, etc for $1 each (with the mail in rebate, which we mailed tonight). Yay for savings!

8.10.09- Day 84

First day back after the wedding today. Also my second day with kids. I got a lot done and met a lot of people. Right now, it seems my main job is to make connections with all the right people. I hope I'm doing a good job!

After work, Alan and I had a nice romantic evening. We ate dinner while watching a movie. While I took a walk with Nigel, Alan surprised me by drawing a bubble bath and putting out candles all around. He even gave me a back massage!!!! He is so sweet and thoughtful. We put together some of the lanterns that I bought for Steph's wedding that weren't needed. It added a nice ambiance. Maybe we'll leave them there permanently (but more evenly spaced)?